Energy Technology

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Browsing Energy Technology by Subject "Biodiesel"

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    Characterization and Experimental Analysis of Biodiesel Extracted from Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Fruit Using Catalyst
    (Addis Ababa University, 2021-01) Bikila, Gebeyehu; Solomon, Kiros (Ass. Prof.)
    The investigation of indigenous resources as alternative energy is the reasonable solution for the diminishing of naturally existing materials for production of fuel from crude oil, environmental concern. Many researchers have been involved in producing a low-price fuel from naturally existing raw materials. Thus, in this specific work biodiesel production was examined from Marula seed. The seeds were collected from Arba Minch Nech Sar National Park and the seeds Proximate analysis has been conducted to determine moisture content, ash content, crude fiber content and fat contents. The result found was 5.90%, 4.27%, 11.84% and 47.66% respectively. The extraction of the oil was performed by solvent method using n-hexane as solvent through Soxhlet apparatus and fixing the extraction time. This study aimed to extract a biodiesel from sclerocarya birrea by examining the physio-chemical properties, and the biodiesel production was optimized for pre-determined parameters such as Catalyst Concentration (CC), Reaction Temperature (RT) and Methanol to Oil Ratio (MOR) by implementing Design Expert Software (DES). The optimum conversion efficiency of marula oil to Fatty Acid Methyl Ether (FAME) was 93.45% at optimal condition of 9:1 methanol to oil ratio for 1.75%of catalyst loading at 60oC of reaction temperature. The properties of sclerocaryabirrea which were determined exist in the recommended standards. The oil content of the seed was found 41.57%. The values of the physiochemical properties of the oil were viscosity 92.8mpas, specific density 0.923, acid value 7.51, Saponification value 229miligrams and free fatty acid 3.8% and the biodiesel were characterized as of its calorific value (CV) which was 42.56 MJ/Kg, viscosity of 11.3mpas, iodine value of 115 I2/gm, and flash point of 235oC. In this thesis work, it was concluded that Sclerocaryabirrea can be a possible input for biodiesel production which in turn minimize the dependency on fossil fuels.
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    Characterization and Process Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Croton Macrostachyus ‘besana’ Seed using KOH Catalyst
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-07) Wondwosen, Shiferaw; Solomon, Kiros (PhD)
    Energy security, socioeconomic aspect, and environmental concern are the major arising factor to be considered while selecting the source of energy in today's word including Ethiopia. The rising cost of petroleum fuels, depletion of reserves and strict world protocols on exhaust emissions have also necessitated the need for replacement of petroleum fuels with less polluting, readily available and renewable sources of fuels for automobile and industrial engines. This enforces the worlds to look over the biofuel as a major substitute for mineral fuel sources. Production of biodiesel from non-edible feedstocks is attracting more attention than in the past, for the purpose of manufacturing alternative fuels without interfering with the food chain. Among those non-edible feedstocks, croton macrostachyus seed is another option and which is newly identified feedstock which is indigenous in Ethiopia. The seed was collected from the southeastern part of the country and solvent oil extraction method was selected to extract oil from croton seed. The study aimed at optimizing the biodiesel production process experimentally by varying catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and the molar ratio of methanol to oil. These process parameters were optimized by using design expert software. The optimum conversion efficiency of croton oil to fatty acid methyl ether (FAME) obtained was 96% at the optimal condition of 6:1 methanol to oil ratio, 1% catalyst loading, and 50 XI o C reaction temperature. The properties of croton methyl-ether which were determined fell within the recommended standards. Oil content of the seed was found 53.34% which is beyond estimated value before this study. The main physicochemical properties of biodiesel production from croton oil were characterized and evaluated according to the minimum requirement of international standard (ASTM and EN). It was found that croton biodiesel viscosity 4.613mm 2 /s, density 0.854g/cm 3 , calorific value 39.889MJ/kg, flash point 220 o c, iodine value 107.084mgI/gm and FFA 0.435 mg KOH/gm. The results indicated that the properties of fatty acid methyl ether obtained from Croton macrostachyus seed were agreed with the standard specification of the ASTM and EN. In addition, the oil content of croton seed was observed that 53.34% which is beyond estimated value before. Finally from this study croton seed was discovered as new biodiesel feedstock and extend the choice of feedstock.
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    Process Optimization for Biodiesel Production from Trichiliaemetica Seed ‘Luiya’ Oil
    (Addis Ababa University, 2018-07) Seid, Shumet; Solomon, Kiros (PhD); Tewodros, Walle (Mr.) Co-Advisor
    The Energy utilization in the whole world has achieved by using the natural resource like coal, natural gas and petroleum diesel for a long period of time. Continuous using up of those nonrenewable energy sources leads to running down the reserve. In addition to this environmental problems are the main issue in the whole world and this leads to search more attractive and environmentally friend energy source. From this biodiesel is the best one to replace petroleum diesel in order to fulfill our energy needs for a sustainable way. The high cost of edible oil seed has increase biodiesel making price. Due to this searching non-edible oil seed has to minimize biodiesel making cost. The major objective for this study work was the optimization process for making biodiesel from the trichiliaemetica oilseed. For transesterification process trichiliaemetica oil, methanol alcohol and calcium oxide catalyst were used. Extraction of oil was undertaken by using manually operated mechanical compress and 75 ml/kg oil was extract. Experimental results of trichiliaemetica oil properties are moisture content (0.43%), density (910 kg/m 3 ), kinematic viscosity at 40 o C (36.4 cSt), saponification value (183.7mgKOH/g oil) and acid value (4.628 mgKOH/g oil). similarly, the experimental result for characterization of biodiesel from trichiliaemetica oil was listed like: density (887 kg/m 3 ), viscosity at 40 o C (6.11cSt), flashpoint (129 o C), acid value (0.897mgKOH/g oil) and higher heating value (39.8MJ/kg). The physicochemical properties of trichiliaemetica oil and produced biodiesel were matched with the standard values. Moreover, the design expert software was the tool and implemented five level four-factor central composite designs with response surface methodology to optimize the process. Four process parameter was studied with the range: time (1-2hr), catalyst (1-2 weight %), methanol/oil molar ratio (6:1-12:1) and temperature (55-65 o C). The optimum trichiliaemetica oil conversion was achieved at the time (1.5hr), calcium oxide catalyst (1.5 weight %), methanol/oil molar ratio (9:1) and temperature (60 o C). From the analysis of variance result, the experimental percentage of biodiesel yield was 94% and predicted the percentage of biodiesel yield 90.75%. In addition, the result from response surface methodology all parameters except time rendered the high significant influence for biodiesel yield. From the present study, the results show that process optimization from trichiliaemetica oil seed is essential for industrialization and expansion for production of biodiesel.